The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Thailand's clear position that a ceasefire must be demonstrated through concrete actions. It set three main conditions for Cambodia and revealed that about 6,000 Thais are stranded in Poipet, with efforts underway to bring them back to Thailand.
On 16 December 2025, Mrs. Maratee Nalita Andamo, Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained Thailand's diplomatic stance amid calls from various countries for Thailand and Cambodia to negotiate a ceasefire. She confirmed that Thailand has consistently expressed its position through the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the ministry spokesperson.
The Deputy Spokesperson stated that under international norms, a ceasefire depends on both conflicting countries and must be verifiable by actual actions, which Thailand is still awaiting from Cambodia. Thailand has set three key conditions it expects Cambodia to fulfill for a meaningful ceasefire:
1. Cambodia must declare a ceasefire first, as it is the country that intruded into Thai territory.
2. The ceasefire must be genuine and continuous, not a temporary halt followed by renewed violence.
3. Cambodia must sincerely cooperate in clearing landmines, an issue Thailand has consistently prioritized under the Ottawa Convention framework.
The Deputy Spokesperson emphasized that all Thai operations are conducted under the right to self-defense according to Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and in accordance with international humanitarian law, principles that Thailand strictly upholds.
Regarding diplomatic progress, the Deputy Spokesperson revealed that Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced a Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 22 December. Thailand's Foreign Minister is ready to participate, and Thailand believes that such a high-level issue should be addressed through face-to-face meetings for serious discussion. Coordination is ongoing to confirm participants from all ASEAN countries.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported progress in assisting Thais in Cambodia. Currently, 669 Thais have registered with the Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh to return to Thailand, though this number may change daily. As of 15 December, 352 Thais have already departed from Phnom Penh, 4 are awaiting travel arrangements, and 317 remain. It is estimated that about 5,000 to 6,000 Thais are in the Poipet area, though this is an approximate figure as not all have registered.
The Ministry confirmed its readiness to facilitate emergency travel documents and air transportation from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. It urged Thais in Cambodia wishing to return to contact the embassy or consulate general at any time.